Chapter 204 2. Peng Dehuai carefully analyzed the enemy's situation

Yichuan is adjacent to the Yellow River in the east and Luochuan and Fuxian in the west. It is a strategic location in eastern Shaanxi, and Hu Zongnan regards it as a barrier in Guanzhong. On October 21, 1947, the 2nd and 4th Columns of the Northwest Field Army liberated Yichuan, and voluntarily abandoned Yichuan on the 23rd.After Hu Zongnan re-occupied Yichuan, he defended with two regiments of the 24th Brigade of the 76th Division, which were relatively weak and located in the Huanglong Mountains.Pulling out this nail and liberating the cities of Huanglong Mountain can further open up the connection with Northwest Shanxi, consolidate the rear, and create a favorable situation for liberating the Northwest.

On January 29, 1948, Peng Dehuai held a meeting of cadres above the brigade commander and above of the field army in Lujiagou, Mizhi County. According to Mao Zedong and the Central Military Commission's plan to attack the Yan'an and Yichuan lines, and then attack to the south of the line and north of the Weishui River after success, With the instruction of establishing the Weibei base area, it was decided that the first step would be to attack Yichuan with the tactics of besieging the city and fighting for aid. Peng Dehuai said: Yichuan is an important chess piece on Hu Zongnan's chessboard. When we fight Yichuan, Hu Zongnan will definitely send troops to reinforce it.The enemy has always underestimated the strength of our army, and Liu Kan still has a lot of strength, so he will definitely come for reinforcements.This makes it easier for our army to wait for work at leisure, choose favorable terrain, and wipe out enemies one by one during the movement.The commanders agreed unanimously, saying: This move has prepared Liu Kan's tomb.

The meeting decided to carry out the Yichuan campaign, and first besieged Yichuan with a part of the force, mobilizing enemy troops from Huangling, Luochuan and other places to help;Peng Dehuai clearly pointed out that in terms of tactics, the siege troops should take active actions, but they should not be in a hurry to force the enemy to rush to help;Peng Dehuai reported this plan of "siege and aid" to the Central Military Commission and Mao Zedong, and it was quickly approved. While deploying to attack Yichuan, Peng Dehuai began preparations for the attack.Based on the reconnaissance materials, he analyzed that the enemy might take three routes to reinforce Yichuan from Huangling, Luochuan and other places: one is to go to Yichuan via Wazi Street.This is a road that is convenient for large troops to maneuver, the distance is short, and reinforcements are fast. It can quickly break the siege of Yichuan, but there are concerns about being ambushed by field troops; the second is to go to Yichuan via Shibao (Huanglong).Although it is also a road, the road condition is poor and the distance is long, which is not conducive to quick aid; the third is to follow the Jinshimiaoliang to the north of the first road to Yichuan. Heavy weapons are not easy to pass through.

Which way will the enemy go?Peng Dehuai was concentrating on estimating at the headquarters of the field army, as if asking himself or other comrades: "Are you coming or not? Which way might you come from?" The deputy chief of the first section continued his words and said: "The enemy is timid, so I don't think I dare to take the path." Peng Dehuai said: Your estimate is basically correct.According to the law of the enemy's past combat operations, Liu Kan will take the path out of his own safety.But it was Hu Zongnan who gave the order, and Liu Kan was punished for being slow to reinforce Qingjian last time.This time he must go fast and take the road.

Peng Dehuai further analyzed that, on the one hand, Hu Zongnan had to give consideration to both the defenders and the reinforcements. He went to Yichuan via Wazi Street. Road to help.Therefore, it was decided to focus on the first route of deployment. On the other hand, our army is also prepared to "if the enemy does not help, we will continue to advance south after capturing Yichuan, and capture Hancheng, Baishui, Heyang, Dali and other cities."Determined, Peng Dehuai said humorously: "Besiege the city to fight for aid and catch big fish. We catch Liu Kan, and there are two possibilities if we catch Liu Kan or not. As long as Liu Kan comes in, don't even think about going out."

For this reason, the Northwest Field Army decided to concentrate the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th five columns and launch the Yichuan Campaign.First attack Yichuan with a force, attract enemy reinforcements, and concentrate the main force to destroy the reinforcements passing through Wazi Street.All columns were required to complete all preparations for departure before February 10.